Troopers need road hazard help

The occupational hazards facing state troopers were underscored over the weekend when two officers - investigating two separate highway accidents - were hit by drivers accused of operating under the influence.

Early Saturday, Trooper Dana Cresta, 49, was taken to a Boston Hospital after receiving injuries to his head, face, legs and ribs while standing in the breakdown lane of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Newton. He was investigating a car crash on the westbound lane of the pike about 3 a.m. when the accident occurred. The driver of the car, identified by police as Patrick J. Sullivan, 23, of Newton, was charged with operating under the influence, operating in a breakdown lane and operating to endanger.

On Sunday, a second trooper, whose name was not released because he was not injured, was investigating a single-car crash in the high-speed lane of Interstate 93, just south of Exit 6 in Braintree when a car struck the cruiser. The driver identified by police as Sharrif L. Green, 27, of Dorchester, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and negligent operation of a vehicle, and he received a speeding violation and a marked lanes violation.

In the wake of the incidents, some state lawmakers are calling for a new law to protect state troopers at traffic stops on highways. We support their push for a so-called move-over law that would require drivers to slow down and give wide berth to emergency vehicles or face a ticket of at least $100.

We also believe the law should be applicable for tow truck drivers and other emergency vehicles.

State police spokesman Eric Anderson said a lot of troopers have been injured in the past by impaired drivers. "It's a big concern ... motorists have to be aware of keeping a good space between them and other vehicles," Anderson said. "But certainly, you can't drive when you're impaired ."

While the law isn't likely to prevent drunken drivers from striking pulled-over vehicles, it will prevent other drivers from causing these accidents.

The "move-over" law would provide another safeguard for the men and women whose job it is to protect us. We hope the bill receives favorable consideration.